Putting Asian-Pacific Professionals on the Fast Track

Lillian Tsai, founder and President of TsaiComms LLC, was honored for her outstanding and ongoing support of Seattle-based Executive Development Institute (EDI), a program provides culturally tailored leadership programs to put Asian-Pacific professionals on a fast track for success.

EDI participants from global and local companies such as Boeing, Microsoft, Nike, Norpac, Weyerhauser, State Farm Insurance, REI, NW Natural Gas, Nordstrom, KeyBank, PGE and the U.S. Postal Service, participate in nine-month long programs called "Leadership Discovery" and "Leadership Navigation" that teach self-discovery and leadership skills such as helping individuals become more aware of the unique cultural and values differences between the Asian-Pacific cultures and the mainstream American culture and how to best translate these values into the corporate business environment.

"As an executive coach and mentor at EDI for the past two years, it has been my privilege and honor to work with some highly motivated individuals whose ambitions have brought them to a point in their careers where all they needed is that extra boost," stated Lillian Tsai. "Every EDI graduate is an inspiration to future generations of Asian Pacific Americans, and I am extremely grateful and humbled in being presented this award."

Originally begun in Seattle, WA, the program has now grown to the Portland, Oregon area, graduating 408 professionals in the Greater Puget Sound area and 37 in Oregon.

"No company or community can be stronger than the sum of its people," said Starr Macdonald, Executive Director. "EDI is passionate and skilled at developing culturally diverse leaders to allow them to make a fuller contribution in all aspects of their life. Just as metals are made stronger by mixing different alloys, companies likewise are made stronger by fully engaging every person and a diversity of cultures to improve morale, business performance and their communities."

For more info on EDI, visit www.ediorg.org

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